Are you worried about the anonymous ‘please text me’ messages you’ve been receiving from unfamiliar numbers recently?
There’s a definite sense of urgency, and in this article, we’ll tell you everything that you need to know.
The truth is, there is no way to know who or what is behind these text messages unless you respond to them.
However, sending a reply to such a message may turn out to be a big mistake!
In fact, you may actually be setting yourself up to be a victim of a phishing scam- especially if there’s no known reason you’d be getting that message from an unknown number.
While it may seem like it’s coming from a legitimate person in need, the message is most likely to be from a scammer looking to defraud you.
Disappointingly, it’s a scam 99% of the time- so don’t fall for it!
What Should I Do If I Get A ”Please Text Me” Message?
Firstly, you should know that you are not alone in receiving these texts!
Many people on the internet have complained about receiving these messages, and unfortunately, a number of them have fallen victim.
As you know, your online security is paramount, and you need to make sure you understand how to deal with messages that appear to be potential security threats.
Here’s what you should do when you receive a “please text me” message from an unknown number:
Not all “please text me” messages are scams, but the overwhelmingly large percentage of them are- so it is always better to be safe than sorry.
The 1% that are not scams were perhaps sent by mistake, so you don’t have to fret over not answering them. Hopefully, the senders will figure their mistakes out for themselves!
Therefore, we suggest that the best course of action is simply to ignore or delete the text.
A follow-up option is to wait to see if anyone you know reaches out and mentions sending a “please text me” message to you.
If no one reaches out after a few days, you will know that you did the right thing.
Logically speaking, a person that you know is unlikely to send an anonymous message!
Instead, they’d be much more likely to send a conversational text identifying themselves so that you know who they are and what they need from you.
Another action you could (though we don’t really recommend it) take is to send a reply asking for identification.
If the message is from a friend, family, or acquaintance, they will have no problems identifying themselves to you.
If they do not respond satisfactorily, end the conversation immediately and block the number!
When you get these messages, think about your safety first and foremost before considering any course of action. Scammers have a lot of tricks up their sleeves, and they will do their best to get you given the opportunity.
Can You Get Scammed By Opening A Text Message?
No, thankfully, you cannot get scammed by simply opening a text message.
However, the world is evolving fast, and scammers are certainly not being left behind.
Dishonest people are constantly searching for new ways to defraud innocent people out of their money, and it’s not surprising at all when they find new, innovative ways to do just that.
The good news is that those scammers who rely on digital mediums have not yet figured out a way to operate outside of the internet.
It’s true; there have been numerous instances of hacked systems and malicious sites that can give them access to your data while online.
Offline, however, they can still only rely on the naivety and gullibility of their victims.
When you receive a message that reads “please text me”, it’s safe to open and read. That in itself does not expose you to risk from the potential scammer.
On the other hand, If there is a link in the text message, make sure that you do not click it- no matter what, the message may be promising!
Using cloaked or corrupt links is one of the most common ways that people are scammed these days.
If you see the presence of any suspicious links, delete the message and block the phone number immediately!
Besides clicking the link, responding to anonymous messages with personal information is another sure way to expose yourself to phone scams.
So, to keep yourself as safe as possible from falling victim to these fraudsters, we do recommend that you delete any dodgy messages straight away and do not even set the ball in motion when it comes to communicating with these people!
Can You Get Hacked By Replying To A Text?
Replying to a suspicious message from an unknown sender can definitely get you in trouble.
To give you a clear picture of the potential dangers, here are the two situations it can lead to:
1. It can confirm to the person on the other end that your number is active and responsive, after which they may then sell your information to other scammers. Get ready to say hello to an avalanche of spam messages!
2. The second thing that could happen is that the scammers will try to engage you in a conversation to draw you into the scam.
If you end up falling for it and sharing your personal information with them (they can be very convincing), they will then use it to deprive you of your funds or commit credit card fraud (amongst other crimes).
All in all, these con men depend upon your willingness to hand them the information that they need.
You do have to be careful as, most of the time; these people are master manipulators.
The moment you give them your attention, they will work very hard to do anything they can to gain your trust.
And realistically, there is only a one in a million chance that the message asking you to text them coming from an unfamiliar number is actually from an honest person.
In a perfect, utopian world, you would be able to send a reply- and in the process, make a new friend!
Unfortunately, as sad as it is, we all know that the society we live in these days is not that innocent.
The chances that you will get tricked are multiple times higher than the chances of meeting your “soulmate.”
In short, you cannot get scammed by simply replying to a text message, but the act of doing so could open you up to manipulation by scammers. Therefore, at all costs, try to resist the urge to send a reply!
How Can I Stop More Spam Messages?
Spamming is one of the most common ways that criminals hunt for their victims.
The first thing you should do to keep safe is to delete those spam messages and not bother replying.
Secondly, reach out to your network carrier to find out if there is a way to block certain numbers from reaching you.
Some carriers in the United States accept spam reports, which is a very helpful service.
When you receive spam texts, forward the message to 7726.
The carrier can then verify the source of the text through this message, and they may also reach out to get additional information about the number behind the text.
Once they confirm that it is a scam, they will help you to block future messages that come from that number.
You can find out if your carrier accepts spam messages through 7726 with a simple Google search or by contacting their customer service helpline.
It may also be helpful to download a spam call and SMS blocking app.
There are many apps available for both Apple and Android devices that can identify the source of spam messages and help you to prevent them.
When deciding which one to download, look out for the ones that can identify and block spam calls and texts before they reach your phone. These apps completely take the stress of dealing with this nuisance!
Another action that you could take is to use the default blocking tool on your phone.
Every mobile device has one, and it works great for blocking phone calls and messages from unwanted sources.
The great thing is that they can identify the spam messages and block them even before they land in your message inbox!
You can easily find the block button in your phone Settings. Again, this tool is available on both Android and iOS devices.
How Can I Find the Block Button On My Phone?
The process of blocking a number is pretty much the same on every smartphone model, with only very slight differences as to where you will find the option to do so.
The process for stopping spam messages on an iPhone is to open the message and then click on the profile photo at the top of the page.
Next, select ‘info’ to open whatever information you have about the sender.
On that page, click on the phone number, then scroll to the bottom and select “Block this Caller.” That’s all you need to do!
For an Android phone, the process depends on the phone company and the messaging app you use. Most Android phones will only require a few simple steps.
Open the message and click on the menu button (three dots or three vertical lines at the top right corner).
A drop-down menu will be revealed, after which you simply select the option to block the number. You’re all set!
In Summary
We hope that you now have a greater understanding of the whole story behind those anonymous “please text me” messages you have received.
If you are still wondering why you got that message, the reasons are simply this: Firstly, you own a phone, and secondly, your information is available online.
Unscrupulous individuals are working tirelessly night and day to steal your valuable data both online and offline- and unfortunately, they can be pretty good at it.
Remember that getting spammed does not spell doom; it does not mean there has been a breach in your phone security or that someone has hacked your phone!
The text is essentially acting only as ‘bait’ to see if you’ll fall for it.
Remember, you can always ignore these messages- and if they keep coming, block them with every tool at your disposal!
Do you know how to stay safe on your smartphone? Keep yourself protected with our Comprehensive A-Z Of Smartphone Security right HERE!